What if the real future of AI isn’t about replacing people—but about amplifying their best abilities?
In this episode of Lightning RX, host Colette Nataf sits down with AJ Bubb, founder of MxP Studio, host of Facing Disruption, and former Amazon and Accenture innovation strategist. AJ is a futurist who helps organizations cut through the noise of rapid technological change and focus on what truly matters: solving real customer problems.
AJ shares how his philosophy of “Human + AI” challenges the fear-driven narrative that machines will replace us. Instead, he frames AI as augmented intelligence—a way to accelerate research, support decision-making, and unlock creativity, while keeping people at the center of innovation.
From working backwards in true Amazonian style to launching MxP Studio on the principle of “minimum, lovable, viable, and feasible,” AJ explains how companies can embrace disruption without losing sight of human trust and customer obsession. He also emphasizes the role of psychological safety and team trust in creating organizations that are truly innovative.
What You’ll Learn:
- What it really means to be a futurist in today’s fast-changing world
- Why customer obsession must come before technology in innovation
- The philosophy behind MxP Studio’s “minimum, lovable, viable, feasible” model
- How to reframe AI as augmented intelligence rather than replacement
- The importance of trust, openness, and vulnerability in building innovative teams
- Why startups must focus on solving durable customer problems—not just chasing shiny tools
- How to use AI as a sanity check for research and ideation, not the final answer
- When and how to pivot your strategy based on data and market signals
💡 Golden Nugget:
“Use AI to think around corners, not to give you the answer. At the end of the day, innovation is still about people, trust, and solving real challenges.”
Connect with AJ Bubb & MxP Studio
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ajbubb
- Websites: linktr.ee/ajbubb | facingdisruption.com
Connect with the Show:
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